Paul Baxley, a remarkable individual, was born in 1923 in Casper, Wyoming, and later grew up in Los Angeles. His exceptional athletic prowess was evident in his high school years, where he excelled as an all-city quarterback and track star at Eagle Rock High.
Before pursuing a career in the entertainment industry, Baxley served as a Marine, Scout, and Sniper in the 4th Division during World War II. He saw action on several significant battlefields, including Kwajalein, Iwo Jima, Saipan, and Tinian, earning himself two Purple Hearts, a Bronze Star, and a letter of commendation from the President of the United States. Following the war, he briefly taught at Paris Island.
After his military service, Baxley returned to college and achieved an impressive feat, becoming an all-American quarterback. It was during this time that he crossed paths with Richard Talmadge, a renowned Stunt Coordinator, and Davey Sharp, with whom he formed a strong bond. The trio was known for their exceptional athletic abilities, with Baxley's movie-star looks making him an ideal double for prominent Hollywood stars, including James Dean, Alan Ladd, and Marlon Brando. Baxley and Brando developed a lasting friendship that endured until Brando's passing in 2004.
Throughout the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s, Baxley continued to excel as a Stunt Coordinator and Second Unit director, working on various projects, including the television shows T.H.E. Cat and The Dukes of Hazzard. Later in his career, he enjoyed working alongside his son as a Stunt Coordinator and Second Unit director, a testament to his dedication to the craft and his desire to share his expertise with the next generation.
